Two standout high school athletes—Katie Sniezek from Gilbert (softball) and Charles Tucker from Ames (baseball)—just got some well-deserved recognition. The local paper, the Ames Tribune, named them Athletes of the Week based on reader votes.

Editor’s Note: Local sports coverage like this shines a light on young athletes who might fly under the radar outside their communities. It’s a small but meaningful nod to their hard work—and a reminder that hometown pride often starts on the field. Plus, letting readers vote makes it feel like a community celebration, not just another headline.

Waukee Northwest's softball standout Meredith Thomsen and DCG's baseball star Taitn Gray just got some well-deserved recognition—they were voted the Des Moines Register's metro-area Athletes of the Week by readers. It's a nod to their standout performances on the field.

Editor’s Note: Local athletes don’t always get the spotlight, but this kind of recognition shows how much their hard work resonates with the community. For high school players, being named Athlete of the Week isn’t just a personal win—it’s a boost for their teams and schools too. Plus, it’s a fun way for fans to rally behind rising talent in their own backyard.

Iowa high school softball players are lighting up the field this summer with standout performances. The article highlights some of the most impressive recent plays and stats, showcasing the talent brewing in the state’s high school leagues.

Editor’s Note: For fans of local sports, especially in Iowa, this is a fun way to keep up with rising stars and celebrate the hard work of young athletes. It’s also a nod to the thriving culture of high school softball, where future college—or even pro—players might be getting their start.

Jackson Link had a breakout moment in Solon baseball’s doubleheader against Clear Creek Amana, smashing his first-ever career home run to help secure a 6-3 victory in the second game. It’s the kind of milestone that makes baseball so special—a young player stepping up in a big way.

Editor’s Note: Moments like this aren’t just about the scoreboard. For a high school athlete, a first home run is a memory that sticks, and for the team, it’s a sign of growing talent. Local sports thrive on these personal victories—they’re what keep communities invested in their young athletes.

Jade Hedengren, a standout track star from Timpview High School in Utah, just snagged Gatorade’s National Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors—and it’s no surprise why. She didn’t just have a great season; she rewrote the record books, smashing national high school marks in three different events. That’s the kind of dominance that turns heads beyond just local fans.

Editor’s Note: Awards like this aren’t just about trophies—they spotlight athletes who redefine what’s possible at their level. Hedengren’s record-breaking year puts her in elite company, and for young athletes, it’s proof that hard work pays off in big ways. Plus, it’s a win for Utah sports, which doesn’t always get the national spotlight. Keep an eye on her; this probably isn’t the last headline she’ll make.

The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) just dropped the official district alignments for high school football teams across the state, covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons. These alignments are the blueprint schools use to map out their eight-game regular-season schedules. While many programs have already been teasing their 2025 matchups, this announcement locks in the bigger picture—who’s playing whom and where they’re grouped.

Editor’s Note: If you’re a player, coach, or fan of Minnesota high school football, this is your roadmap for the next two seasons. District alignments can shake up rivalries, travel plans, and playoff odds—so while it might seem like bureaucratic shuffling, it’s a big deal for Friday night lights. Plus, it gives communities a heads-up to start circling those must-see games on the calendar.